Layer 2 The Data Link Layer

The data link layer focuses on reliably getting data across any particular kind of link. Flow control and error notifications are also functions of the data link layer. The data link layer applies to all access methods, whether they are LAN or WAN methods. Information processed at this layer is commonly known as frames.

The IEEE further complicated matters by subdividing the data link layer into two sublayers: the Logical Link Control (LLC) sublayer and the MAC sublayer.